March 2020 • Issue 014

News

Covid-19: Support for businesses

Food and Drink Wales Industry Board - Chair's Update March 2020

This latest update and newsletter finds us in unprecedented times. The Covid-19 crisis is having a fast-moving, global effect on our lives and we recognise the immediate and profound impact it is having on food and drink businesses in Wales.

New £500 million Economic Resilience Fund launched for Wales

The Economic Resilience Fund aims to plug the gaps in the support schemes already announced by the UK Government, including the Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, which will guarantee 80% of people’s wages and income.

Food Innovation Wales helpline

In this time of increased stress on the food supply chain, Food Innovation Wales has opened a helpline in each of its geographical areas. For food safety, technical or supply chain continuity (e.g. raw material suppliers), please contact the numbers in the link above.

Special Business Readiness Bulletin – Important Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for businesses and employers

This is a special edition of the business readiness bulletin for trade associations, business representative bodies and business intermediaries providing important information for you and your business members and networks on Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

CBILS is a new scheme that can provide facilities of up to £5m for smaller businesses across the UK who are experiencing lost or deferred revenues, leading to disruptions to their cashflow. CBILS supports a wide range of business finance products, including term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance facilities.

CBILS - checklist

CBILS - Infographics

CBILS - Available to smaller businesses across the UK

Guidance for food businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Food business operators should continue to follow the Food Standard Agency’s guidance on good hygiene practices in food preparation and their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) processes.

Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road

Department for Transport have announced a further relaxation to drivers hours - for all sectors carrying goods by road valid from Monday 23rd March to Tuesday April 21st.

More guidance here

Companies to receive 3-month extension period to file accounts during COVID-19

Businesses will be given an additional 3 months to file accounts with Companies House to help companies avoid penalties as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.

Markets’ Association calls for urgent and detailed help from the Chancellor

The body that represents markets across the UK is calling for urgent and detailed action from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support your local businesses

Pembrokeshire County Council is urging the public to support local businesses during the current coronavirus outbreak.

Draft Proposals: 2023 salt reduction targets

Work on salt reduction began in the UK in 2004 following advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) that recommended population average salt intakes should be reduced to 6g per day to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and hence cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas.

If you have any queries, or would like to discuss the draft proposals, please contact
dietary.improvement@phe.gov.uk.

Events.

Blas Cymru / Taste Wales 2021

Social Media.

Food and Drink Wales has a new Social Media account. Follow us on our Instagram account Food_Drink_Wales for all things food and drink - news events and more #fooddrinkwales